Present law generally requires that Class II scenic river areas are managed in a manner that best maintains and enhances the scenic values of the river and the adjacent lands while at the same time preserving the right of riparian landowners to use the river for customary agricultural and other rural purposes. The lands adjacent to a Class II scenic river are to remain primarily in the type of use existing at the time of designation as a state scenic river or else be allowed to revert to natural conditions. Present law generally prohibits mining, commercial timber harvest, or construction of roads paralleling the river within the limits of any conservation easement, public use easement or public access area in a Class II scenic river area.
This bill designates a segment of the Duck River beginning at Industrial Park Road approximately at river mile 128 extending continuously to a point downstream to the boundary of Hickman County at approximately river mile 98 downstream from the Natchez Trace River Bridge as a Class II scenic river.
This bill specifies that, in Class II scenic river areas, the construction and operation of sewer treatment facilities, water treatment facilities, and water harvesting projects by municipalities and public utilities within the watershed, and regional water resource projects identified by the Tennessee Duck River development agency and the TVA in their regional water supply plans and studies, are permitted; provided, that any such use must be in accordance with rules promulgated by the commissioner of environment and conservation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 11-13-104, 11-13-111(a), 11-13-111